DNR warns of avalanche hazards near Anchorage

Posted: Monday, February 14, 2000

By Staff report

According to an Alaska Department of Natural Resources media release, Chugach State Park, the Hatcher Pass area and Hatcher Pass Road have been fully reopened to public use, but the danger of park users triggering slides in certain areas remains.

Slopes in excess of 30 percent, gullies, slopes with wind-deposited snow or slopes under cornices should be avoided, according to Park Superintendent Al Meiners. Park rangers are recommending against back country travel.

Anchorage Hillside snowmobile area, also known as Upper Huffman or Powerline, remains closed. Snowmobile areas open include Eklutna Lake, Big Peters Creek, Ptarmigan Valley, Eagle River and its gravel bars between the Glenn Highway and Icicle Creek, and Bird Creek Valley.

Snowmachining trails in Hatcher Pass area have not been groomed and will not be groomed until late next week.